SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE....

 Its been a hectic couple of weeks preparing for this trip. From getting vaccinated to shopping for endless supplies, I really can't wait to get on the plane so I can finally get some rest. When all is said and done however, I wouldn't have had it any other way. That's the pace of NY life, go hard or go home. For those of us that live in the city, we know that everything is in overdrive. The non-stop social activities including two farewell parties, lunch and dinner dates, trying to see everyone before I leave. The "last meal" syndrome, where I eat everything in sight because as everyone keeps telling me, "you won't get that over there, so eat up". I'll be lucky if they don't wheel me onto the plane with all the "excess baggage" I've put on in the last couple of weeks.
             
Also as much training and preparation as you do for a trip like this, mentally it is very hard to imagine living in a culture that is radically different from this one. A culture that is slow paced, where things are not as easily available. I know there is going to be some culture shock, but I'm still very excited about the next couple of months in Rwanda. There is no guidebook, website, or class that can ever compare to the actual living in country experience. However, I truly believe that all of the trips that I have taken over the last couple of years to places like Brazil, Haiti, the Philippines, and Egypt have prepared me for such a time as this. The major difference with this trip is the duration and scope of work. Rather than visiting for a couple of days, I will be staying for a couple of months, getting to know the people, languages, cultures, and work ethics of Rwanda.

I am honestly very excited about this next chapter in my life and I am equally as excited for those of you taking this journey with me. I know that I am not alone in this experience as you send your support, prayers, and well wishes. I will be posting on a regular basis while I am in Rwanda, so keep checking back for the latest entries.